Alex Box
Industry Experts Talk To SGS College Students About The Competitive World of Make-Up Artistry
During lockdown, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College have been organising regular masterclasses with industry professionals to engage learners and offer invaluable insights into a variety of career options. SGS students studying in the Hair, Make-Up Artistry and Art & Design departments were recently treated to a glimpse into the competitive world of make-up artistry in two fascinating webinars held by acclaimed industry experts, Cate Hall and Alex Box.
Cate Hall, a highly successful Make-Up Artist in the TV and film industry and probably best known for being Hair and Make-Up Designer on The Crown, shared tips and tricks with students on period make-up, hair and the importance of research. Hall, was a student at St Peter’s High School in Gloucester before graduating from the University of Bristol with a first class Honours in Theatre, Film and Television. During the webinar she spoke of the variety a career as a make-up artist offers and how her favourite projects are those which enable her to use all her acquired skills in hair, make-up and special effects to create complex looks which have a big impact on screen.
Cate Hall on the set of the Crown
Alex Box, an internationally renowned artist who has redefined the role of creativity in makeup and beauty, has collaborated with the world’s leading designers (Issey Miyake, Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, Vivienne Westwood) and musicians (Lady Gaga, Michael Stipe, Robert Smith). As Creative Director of Illamasqua she has also overseen a highly successful cosmetics line. Renowned for her experimental and often surreal beauty looks, Box spoke about the correlation between art, science, nature and the magical in her work.
Learners were enthusiastic and inspired by the guest speakers:
"It was brilliant to hear about Alex’s life and artistic journey and development. I could relate to much of her early life and understand her drive and motivation. Amazingly creative and full of integrity. Thank you for sharing with us.”
“I used to think you would have to live in Los Angeles or somewhere like that to work in the film industry but Cate has shown me that it doesn’t matter where you are from as long as you have the passion and dedication.”
Cate Hall commented: “It was such a pleasure to have the chance to share my experiences with the students at SGS and to answer some of their questions about life in the TV and Film industry. Engaging with the future generation of make-up artists is so important and I hope will have inspired them to follow their dreams and pursue careers in the arts.”
SGS Theatrical and Media Make-Up Tutor was delighted with the masterclasses: “Now the students are in College we can finally start to get them back on track with their practical work. My Level 3 students are starting their Media Unit after Easter and one of their design briefs is for period makeup between the Elizabethan era and up to the 1900’s, so the information provided today will really help them to focus on their research. “
To find out more about SGS College’s Theatrical Media Make-Up course and the wide range of vocational and academic courses on offer please visit sgscol.ac.uk